Manure runoff from a Kewaunee County farm is sparking discussion. Community members gathered at the Luxemburg Expo Center Tuesday morning to share their concerns. Jan. 13, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
KEWAUNEE COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Community members gathered at the Luxemburg Expo Center Tuesday to share their concerns about recent manure runoff from a Kewaunee County farm.
Discussion about last week’s manure spill northeast of Casco occurred during a Kewaunee County Land and Water Conservation Committee meeting.
“What crops needed to be fertilized at this time of the year? What about the required 180-day storage? Sounds like plain waste disposal to me,” one person said.
On Friday, it was discovered that heavy rains had washed liquid manure from a field operated by El Na Farms. The runoff started at the farm, went into a nearby stream and made its way about three miles away into the Rio Creek.
Residents said this incident has them worried about water quality.
“Instances like this, where we’re seeing large volumes of manure spilled, can contaminate our aquifer, thus our drinking water… so stuff like this needs to be prevented,” Casco resident Tyler Frye said.
Prior to the 0.7 inch rainfall, the farm decided to spread liquid manure in a field. Surface water was contaminated, causing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to respond to the area for clean-up.
“The day that they spread, they met every rule and regulation to spread on that field. However, according to law, those nutrients are not allowed to leave the field boundaries,” Kewaunee County Land and Water Conservation Department Director and County Conservationist Davina Bonness said.
Bonness said since the manure left the property, the farm is in violation of the department’s nutrient management and groundwater protection ordinance. This means a citation will be issued. Bonness also said the department recommended the farm not spread manure ahead of the rain.
“We cannot go above the actions that are set in state law. We can’t say no when it meets the regulations that are set,” Bonness said.
This incident also sparked discussion about potentially banning winter manure spreading. Currently, liquid manure application is only prohibited in February and March for CAFOs. In order for that to change, it would need to go on the ballot and be voted on by the public.
El Na Farms has not clarified why the farm decided to spread manure before a known rainfall, or if it plans to comply with cleanup efforts.
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